Lorry driver charged with driving under the influence and causing motorcyclist's death

New Straits Times

20-05-2025

KUALA LANGAT: A lorry driver claimed trial to a charge of reckless driving under the influence and causing the death of a security guard along Jalan Banting–Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) two weeks ago.
S. Mohanatas, 32, entered his plea after the charge was read out to him before magistrate Maslinda Selamat.
Mohanatas was accused of committing the act which caused the death of motorcyclist Mohd Nazri Samsuri, 43.
The alleged incident occurred at about 12.30pm at Km13 along Jalan Banting–KLIA on May 14.
The charge, under Section 44(1)(A) of the Road Transport Act, carries a maximum jail term of 15 years and a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM100,000 upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Amirul Syafiq Yazid offered bail at RM30,000 in one surety, as the case involved a fatality.
He also applied for the accused to report to the nearest police station and for any other conditions deemed appropriate by the court.
He asked the court to set a mention date pending the post-mortem, chemistry and pathology reports.
In mitigation, lawyer T. Mishant requested a minimal bail, as his client earned RM1,800 a month and had recently married.
"The accused should not be burdened with a high bail amount.
"I ask that it be set at RM3,000 pending trial," he said.
During proceedings, Mohanatas admitted that he does not have a driving licence when asked by the magistrate.
The court set bail at RM8,000 in one surety and allowed the prosecution's request for additional conditions.
Mention was fixed for June 26.